Stiefelkombinat

Eberswalder-Straße 21-22
10437 Berlin
Tel 51051234

If you’re the type of person whose outfit is not complete without a conversation piece, Stiefelkombinat simply must be added to your itinerary. As you walk up Eberswalder-Straße, on the left hand side, you’ll stumble across what looks like the yard sale you’ve been waiting for all your life. Pick your way through the tempting taster rails out front (careful not to tread on the deliberate scatter of shoes and bags) and you’ll arrive at an impressive display of red short-shorts. Darling, you have arrived! And you may not be back for some time...

To cross the threshold of the women’s store (once again looking out for stray shoes) is to enter a wonderland of vintage one-offs. It’s all a bit exciting. From gorgeous 40s dresses to loud 80s shell suits, this place has everything you could wish for in terms of original designs. The range of unique accessories is scrumptious, with silky scarves spilling out of dressing-up boxes; chunky belts and bangles piled up-up on a 70s dresser; stacked hat boxes full to brimming with gloves, muffs and hoods, and pretty parasols propped at odd angles along the wall. If you’ve forgotten to pack your bikini, this is the place to pick up the kind of seriously stylish swimwear that’ll score you major cool points at the Badeschiff. The choice of footwear on offer is ridiculous and if you can’t find what you’re after, I’m sure one of the disgustingly stylish assistants will eat their fedora.

The boys need not feel left out, as right next-door is menswear. A little smaller than its sister, this store ought to please jacks of all tastes; from the classic and smooth, to the bold and edgy – it’s all here. The variety of spiffy hats on offer is particularly wonderful.

And it doesn’t end there. Knick-knack junkies are also catered for. From 70s light fittings and coat hooks; to baby-dolls and cuddly toys; to out-of-print banknotes and retro magazines, there’s many a nostalgic delight to be had at Stiefelkombinat.

Not extortionate but hardly thrifty, you get what you pay for here.

You are aware that they just don’t make ‘em like they used to, right?